Games resume at UAH, Williams says school begins healing

Just before the University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey team met Robert Morris at the Von Braun Center, UAH President David Williams addressed the role of athletics as the games resumed Saturday afternoon at the school.

"We've spent a week grieving,'' he said. "Our memorial service was last night. Today is the first day to start putting the university back on its feet.''

About 15 minutes later, Williams reiterated that message in his pregame speech to the crowd of several hundered.

"It's fitting we pull the university together at an athletic event,'' he said. "They work hard, play hard and play by the rules - most of the time. They keep fighting and don't give up. Universities do the same.

"It's time to lace up the skates. It's time to pick up the basketball, time to get back on the computer and be proud of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.''

UAH had canceled all athletic events since three biology professors were killed and three others wounded in last Friday's shootings at the Shelby Center. The hockey game was the first UAH athletic event in Huntsville since the professors' deaths.

The hockey game was one of several UAH atheltic events on Saturday. The softball team played at a tournament in Decatur. The men's and women's basketball team played Valdosta State at Spragins Hall.

Earlier in the day, Amber Whitten, a senior forward on the women's basketball team, said at Spragins Hall, "It's time to get together as one. It'll be good to unite and take our minds off it.''

Said Roy Heintz, the UAH women's coach: "You've heard the phrase 'Charge On.'' It's another opportunity to charge on, whether it's basketball or baseball or softball. It's another opportunity to charge on and move on to ... brighter days.''

Several tributes were planned at the basketball games. Players planned to wear patches on their jerseys. Students were expected to receive "Charge On'' decals.

Before the hockey game, players tapped the ice in tribute and Williams spoke to the crowd.

Said UAH Athletic Director Jim Harris before the hockey game: "What we hope in athletics is to start the healing.''